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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A Step Inside the Ballard Designs Catalog

So, some of you may have guessed what my recent favorite find in Atlanta was--and for those of you still wondering: it was Ballard Designs- the stores!

I'm starting to think you Atlantans have been holding out on the rest of us, because as many times as I've visited Atlanta, I never knew Ballard was there. I was just perusing the BD site a couple weeks ago & found out that out of the 5 Ballard Stores in existence, 2 of them are in the Atlanta area. (The other 2 retail stores are in FL, & one outlet is in OH. Click here for store location info.) So, for my recent trip last week, I had to get myself over there.

We stopped first at the Atlanta location. They call this their "hybrid store" because it is a combination of both new, full-priced merchandise & a few catalog return & outlet items. The store is set up beautifully, as you'd expect, & it's just like walking into their catalog.

Here are a few of the pics. Sorry about the quality... I had to take these with my hidden camera sunglasses. (Not really--I was sneaking a few with my phone.) They had signs posted throughout the store stating that photography was not allowed. Hmmm--you'd think they're afraid we'll steal their ideas or something!

Here we are with the cute Mr. & Mrs. pillows I've always thought about making if I could think of somewhere to put them. Dave doesn't look at all like I told him to "sit there & hold this pillow & look like you're having fun," does he?

There really were some great deals. I ended up bringing home this Entomology Plaque Set I've liked for awhile. The original price for these was $39, and they've been marked down to $25 online. But, in the store, I got them for $15.99!

I also bought this P.E. Collection Paper Tray for our library desk. It was still regular price, but I was planning to order this online anyway, so I saved myself the shipping costs.

I absolutely loved being able to see some of my Ballard favorites in real life, sit on some of the furniture, & feel the fabrics.

After we left there, we drove about 20 minutes to the Ballard's Backroom in Roswell. This location is more of an outlet/warehouse. It's bigger than the Atlanta store & it's full of scratch & dent items & catalog returns.

There was everything from headboards & chalkboards to lighting & rugs. Lots of furniture & wall decor as well. There were a few things I might've brought home if I had had space in my truck, but I didn't, so I had to let it go.

Both these locations had a lot of great items & had truly discounted prices as well. If you are a Ballard fan within driving distance to Atlanta, I recommend you visit. Especially if you are planning to buy large ticket items. You may be able to save a bundle.

I've never been, Julie, but I know that they are there in Atlanta. I always hope they might open up one of their outlets in one of our outlet malls here on Long Island. Could you imagine working in one of those stores? I would probably blow my whole paycheck on buying stuff!

YES!!! I live in TN but whenever we are near Atlanta, Ballard's is a MUST! I scored a great paper towel holder I had been drooling over, a throw rug, Christmas stockings for pennies, and several prints! I DREAM of going back! Thanks for the great post!

Us Atlantans ARE trying to keep it a secret so there is more fab stuff for us to choose from! Scored BIG time on the Tuscan Media Center - the hutch was 90% off, the console about 40% off so all in all got it for 1/3 original price. Amazing! I've gotten upholstered ottomans, starburst mirrors, lamps....its really wonderful!!!

Okay, so I live an hour and a half noth of Atlanta and Roswell and had NO idea these stores existed!!!! My daughter lives in North Atlanta...think I may need to pay her a visit! :0)There is also a PB outlet a little further north in the Dawsonville outlets!Thanks so much for sharing this!

Ballard also has an outlet store in the Cincinnati area for those in the midwest. You are right....AWESOME! I have been there several times and can find some fabulous deals. Great ideas if nothing else!

I've only been to Atlanta once, for a wedding in July, of all times! From what I'm hearing, Atlanta is the design/antique capitol of the country! I need to find out more, next time I'm out east. Your Dave's a trooper, but not having fun! Your daughter on the other hand was game for anything, it appeared!

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Here are some thoughts about my blissfully ordinary life as a wife to the man of my dreams and mom to 4 great little imperfect people...and any other random thing that may come to mind. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the countless ways He's blessed me throughout my life. He's the most important Person you'll ever meet & if you don't know Him, please let me be the one to introduce you to Him!